This past week was an exciting one in Sault Ste. Marie. The Chippewa County 'Building a Healthier Community Coalition' and the Strategic Alliance for Health Project on behalf of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians have spent two years partnering with the City on a Complete Streets resolution. After intensive hard work, presenting in front of the Planning Commission and the City Commission, all parties involved have adopted the Complete Streets resoultion as defined by the National Complete Streets Coalition.

This article, which made front page headlines in the Soo on Friday, discusses the incredible partnership that helped bring this about.  The community is excited about the initiative. Having a walkable and bike friendly city is important to placemaking and quality of life. Sault Ste. Marie is now the first city north of the Mackinaw Bridge to adopt a Complete Streets resolution!

Colby Spencer is an intern and Project Coordinator for 21c3 at MML. She can be reached at cspencer@mml.org.

Small businesses account for almost two thirds of new jobs each year. Recent Kauffman Foundation research reported that the major driver in all job growth in the U.S is in fact driven by start-ups.  There is a misconception that businesses will hire more as they age however the Census data used in this report proves the opposite.  Start-ups create the most jobs, far and wide.  As businesses age and grow they bring in more employees but not at the same rate and ratio as a start-up.  What great new for our entrepreneurs! Start those businesses and turn our economy around!

Despite their great opportunities for growth, many start-ups fail. This report by Brookings sums up the reasons why some small businesses succeed and why some do not. The article cites improper funding as one reason many new businesses do not make the cut.  Venture capital and angel investors are the most important drivers for small business growth since many cannot always find access to capital from traditional bank loans.  Funding, or lack thereof, can often make or break a business. 

Brookings' research has also shown that the dearth of a well educated workforce has contributed to small business failure.  They suggest that promoting educational opportunities geared toward entrepreneurship and high growth industries will make a significant impact on small businesses.  By creating the proper workforce there is less chance that a small business will go under.

We all love the mom and pop shops in our downtown areas regardless of the size of our city.  These are the small businesses that are providing great jobs and creating growth at a rate which established businesses cannot match.  Their survival is imperative for the economic turn-around.  Improved access to funding and educational opportunities are essential if small businesses and start-ups are to continue to carry the torch for such high job creation.

Colby Spencer is an intern and Project Coordinator at MML. She can be reached at cspencer@mml.org.

In recent years there has been a wave of entrepreneurial activity around the country.  Most of this is driven by the current economic climate but a lot is also due to young people running with their ideas.  A recent article in Entrepreneur Magazine highlights the story of two young men who dropped their job and grad school plans to found their own company. Entrepreneurship is one of the key ingredients in creating a sustainable, viable, 21st Century Community.  It promotes job growth, increased revenues, and has a significant negative impact on poverty.  When we can no longer rely on mass market employment the entrepreneurs will still be fighting strong.  Encouraging young people and their ideas is one way to keep business thriving! 

The article addresses the major reasons young people hesitate from starting a business. Lack of experience and nervousness about finances rank high on the list. However, it seems that lack of experience allows for more learning on the job and fewer financial responsibilties of young people make the investment a lot less risky. 

For some more encouragement this 2007 article highlights why the "fresh from college" group are in their prime for business development.  There is everything to gain, and nothing to lose.  Start that business today!

Colby Spencer is an intern and 21c3 Project Coordinator at MML.  She can be reached at cspencer@mml.org or (734) 669-6323.